Wednesday's Afternoon Update

What you need to know about Florida today

| 3/13/2013

Lt. Gov. Jennifer Carroll

Florida Lt. Gov. Jennifer Carroll resigns

Lt. Gov. Jennifer Carroll has resigned. Her resignation letter was submtted two days after Florida Law Enforcement officers interviewed Carroll about her involvement with Allied Veterans of the World, a non-profit that operates internet cafes in Florida. Officials from Allied Veterans and Nelson Cuba, the president of the Jacksonville Florida Order of Police, were arrested on racketeering charges after an investigation by the IRS and Secret Service. More at the Tampa Bay Times and the Florida Times-Union.

The Florida Ports Council has announced a new publication the State of Florida Ports, a resource of detailed information on each Florida seaport. The report provides an updated port profile for each of Florida’s seaports, including economic impact information and status updates for their major projects, as well as accomplishments and testimonials. More at Dredging Today.

Scripps expands partnership with pharmaceutical firm

Hospitality

Deco District Renovations

Spurred by strong tourism numbers, hospitality companies have been purchasing and renovating South Beach hotels at a furious pace during the past two years. Renovations at the Gale South Beach & Regent Hotel (pictured) combined the shell of the Gale Hotel with the former nursing home next door.

The Scripps Research Institute in Jupiter has expanded its research partnership with Takeda Pharmaceutical Co. The nonprofit initially signed a deal in 2010 with Envoy Therapeutics, which was acquired by Tekeda Pharma in November. The company is using Scripps’ rapid drug screening robot to search for new drugs for neurological and psychiatric diseases. More at the South Florida Business Journal.

Sweet 16 advance to next round of $50,000 Cade Museum Prize

Sixteen early-stage company teams from around the state have advanced to the next round of the 2013 Cade Museum Prize competition. The teams are competing for $50,000 in prize money, as well as recognition from the entrepreneurial community. The prize is named after Dr. J. Robert Cade, the University of Florida physician that led the team that invented Gatorade. More at the North Central Florida Business Report.

Miami among top cities for energy-efficient buildings

The city of Miami ranked No. 18 among the top 25 U.S. cities with the largest number of energy-efficient buildings with Energy Star certification in 2012, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency said. The Energy Star certification means buildings use less energy and add fewer greenhouse gas emissions than average buildings, according to EPA. More at the Miami Herald.

Out of the Box High-tech food delivery system a hit at spring training games

Hate to get up for a beer and peanuts at a spring training baseball game? Now you can stay seated. Roger Dean Stadium this year features a new system, called GeeBo,at all 7,000 seats. Go to a website, type in your order and an attendant delivers the goods in about 10 minutes.